Full and Associate members of Socitm should apply by the END OF JULY for one of the bursaries, which will enable them to start on their studies from this autumn.

The scheme is part of Socitm's initiative to equip ICT managers with the competencies they need to take their place in the boardroom and ensure that ICT is used strategically by local authorities to provide better services to citizens.

Under the scheme, which started in 2003, Socitm will pay 50% of students' fees throughout the programme. Students can choose whether to take up the General Business or Technology Management MBA programme.

Students can choose to study at the Open University or other university with an appropriate MBA programme. Students are responsible for applying for, and gaining admittance to, courses themselves.

Details of the application process and selection criteria are set out below. The terms and conditions described below are to provide general guidelines, and may differ from final contractual arrangements, subject to the decisions of the Society.

Selection Criteria

In order to be eligible for the scheme, students must:

• work for a local authority or similar qualifying organisation,
• have been a Full or Associate member of Socitm for at least a year prior to the year of application,
• satisfy the selection criteria for the MBA programme at the university of choice. Broadly this means having a first degree (or equivalent qualification) and management experience.